Does Your Foot or Ankle Pain Mean You Need Surgery?
Pain is one of the most compelling reasons people decide to have foot or ankle surgery.
There are so many kinds of pain! Board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm has heard his patients describe their foot and ankle pain for more than two decades. They use words like “aching,” “burning,” “stiff,” “tingling,” and “throbbing” – to name a few. Sometimes the best word they can come up with is just plain old “sore.”
Pain can also be “limiting” – meaning your movements become limited. It’s hard to walk, play sports, or wear the shoes you love. You’re turning down invitations and not living life to the fullest.
Chronic foot or ankle pain may require surgery.
We approach pain first by figuring out what’s causing it. For example, a bunion – a misaligned joint at the base of your big toe – can cause excruciating pain. So can ankle arthritis or an enlarged nerve. Joint realignment, total ankle replacement, and neuroma removal are examples of surgeries that relieve pain.
Surgery may be your best option for getting the relief you seek – literally getting back on your feet.
But hold on…
Before suggesting surgery, Dr. Wilhelm will always attempt to improve conditions such as bunions, neuromas, and plantar fasciitis with non-invasive methods. Such conservative methods include:
- taking pain medications
- receiving inflammation-reducing steroid injections
- stretching, massaging, and other forms of physical therapy
- wearing a brace
- staying off your feet and giving the problem a chance to rest
- icing
Some combination of these conservative treatment methods will often deliver pain-relieving results, allowing you to put off surgery or even avoid surgery altogether.
Foot and ankle surgery expertise in Fairfax County
We turn to surgery when conservative methods aren’t enough. Dr. Wilhelm will take the time to explain all your options clearly. We perform surgery when all other methods have failed and when you agree to take that step. For expert care through both conservative and surgical methods, contact Clifton Foot & Ankle Center for a consultation. Call (703) 996-3000 or make an appointment online.
